Print

Cozy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Easy Comfort Dinner

garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

This quick and easy garlic butter shrimp pasta comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and a silky, flavorful sauce, it’s a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pound (450g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with about 4 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt.
  2. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve at least 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt until foaming. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the reserved pasta water and fresh lemon juice. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for about 1 minute.
  7. Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet using tongs, along with the cooked shrimp, olive oil, and most of the chopped parsley. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds until well coated. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash more pasta water.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. Optionally, serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Reserve more pasta water than you think you need—up to 1 cup—in case the sauce needs extra liquid. Work quickly once the garlic hits the pan to avoid burning. Taste before adding extra salt, as the pasta water and Parmesan add sodium. For a creamy version, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick pasta dinner, 15 minute meal, easy shrimp recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/cozy-15-minute-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-easy-comfort-dinner/